像模像样 (xiàng mú xiàng yàng) — presentable; having an air of importance; looking proper and convincing (often of appearances)
Definition
Often used with a tinge of irony: something looks proper or impressive on the surface but may lack real substance. Frequently modifies clothing, appearance, or how something is done (e.g. 穿得像模像样, 做得像模像样).
idiom
presentablehaving an air of importancelooking proper and convincing (often of appearances)
Examples
- ，像模像样，。Tā suī rán nián qīng, dàn chuān dé xiàng mú xiàng yàng, kàn qǐ lái xiàng gè jīng lǐ.Although he is young, he dresses properly and looks like a manager.
- 像模像样，。Zhè jiā xiǎo diàn bù zhì dé xiàng mú xiàng yàng, xī yǐn le bù shǎo gù kè.This small shop is decorated quite presentably, attracting many customers.
- 像模像样，。Tā xiě de bào gào xiàng mú xiàng yàng, dàn nèi róng qí shí hěn kōng dòng.His report looks impressive on the surface, but the content is actually quite hollow.
Origin
Compound word构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate
Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.
像模 and 像样 both suggest resembling a proper form, so the meaning is presentable and convincing.
Appears in
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